Batelco hires Ericsson for next-gen network expansion

Bahraini telco Batelco said on Wednesday it has selected Ericsson as the sole supplier to carry out the expansion of its next-generation network in the Gulf kingdom.

The network will be expanded to cover new areas in the country, and upgraded to provide faster mobile broadband connections for subscribers, Batelco said in a statement.

"Consumers will benefit from the upgraded mobile broadband network and have access to the internet at speeds of up to 150 megabits per second. We are confident that with Ericsson's innovative technology, we will provide the best user experience for our subscribers," said Rashid Abdulla, CEO, Batelco.

Ericsson will install LTE base stations in the new areas and upgrade the Evolved Packet Core network, the statement added.

Support for LTE roaming will also be introduced by means of the new Ericsson Diameter Signaling Controller, which helps operators manage roaming relations while improving service reliability and network security, it said.

Anders Lindblad, president of Ericsson Region Middle East, said: "Batelco continues to expand their network for exponential data growth, and we have once again been trusted to help them deliver a superior mobile-broadband experience to their subscribers."

Bahrain's telecoms industry regulator on Tuesday said it had awarded radio spectrum for next-generation networks to the kingdom's three mobile operators after scrapping an auction that could have allowed new entrants to the crowded communications sector.

The three operators - Batelco, Kuwait's Zain and Viva Bahrain, a unit of Saudi Telecom Co - had previously announced the launch of high-speed long-term evolution (LTE) services.